Name, Age, Location?
Jamie Michael, 30, New York

What is your typical day?

I like to start my day with a tall cup of coffee. Once caffeine levels are reached, search through emails and run a few errands, then venture into work mode. Although, this mode doesn't take long; I'm pretty much ready to go once I'm awake.

What media & medium is used in your work?

Right now I've been focusing on using Acrylic on board and canvas. Typically I like to take my time before I switch to a new form. I've been exploring oils, but haven't completely bought into idea of fully submersing myself into the new medium.

Where do you show your art?

To date, I've been actively seeking space. New York City has been extending a number of offers and have been in talks. We will know more in the coming months, once logistics are figured.

How do you go about completing a piece?

Typically begin with a sketch, or rummaging through old sketchbooks for inspiration. Occasionally I will read books, periodicals or watch documentary to find my path. Once I've determined the message, I might draw directly on the media (canvas, board), which helps to determine direction. From there I zone out and don't stop till I'm at a point of satisfaction.

Funny you mention completion, how do you know when a piece is completed?

I really don't. I always see something I would like to change. The greatest asset is to know when to walk. Over these past few months, I've become more aware of this. Yet, it's been something in constant state of work and can be exhausting.

I've noticed a number of photographs on your website. Is this something you intended to pursue?

I sort of fell into photography due to graphic work. I've always felt stock photos are great in tight deadlines situations, but if you have the time, why not take yourself. So, I absorbed a few books and visually studied other artist work and kinda set off on my own. I believe it is important to understand how film truely works before switches to digital. Film will always surprise you and sometimes you'll get more out of the process than expected.

Have you considered working on a commission basis?

I do and look forward to working with clients regarding their vision and the message they want to convey. The creative process is always different and interesting when your trying to accomplish a collective visual goal.

Did you attend Art School?

I did not. However, I have been educated in formal setting and hold a graphics degree from an institution in Chicago. I've always drawn or painted throughout my youth. While earning my marketing degree, sketching later became a release from the corporate stresses.

My college art professor was a big fan and encouragement came when ever I was in a receptive state. I finally listen to his kind words and here I am today.

Is any of your art for sale?

I do have a number of pieces for sale and if someone has an interest, they can contact me through my website (4knorth.com) or email (Studio4KNorth@yahoo.com).

Prints will also be available in the coming months once a suitable vendor is located.

How long has your studio been in existence?

The Studio is in its infancy. I've just returned to painting eight (8) months ago. However, as a graphic artist for the last four years, my goals are simple and want the space to reflect my vision of the world. I continue to search for space and lately have been commuting back and forth between Portland and NYC. Once I am settled, I hope to have things in line with this vision.

What are the goals for your new space?

My immediate goals is finding another gallery to show my work and search for collaborators in the fall. Again, I'm working to get prints completed and to have a few other projects completed before the year is over.

Recently realized I've not spent enough time developing a mailing list. If your interested in receiving emails; leave a message. Once collected, will be sending a monthly email detailing current and future activities.

Few days ago, my sister informed of my father recent activities on his farm located in Central Maine. So, we decided to head to Bowdionham(Maine) and I grabbed my camera to see what we could capture. A few images are posted on the website, but have posted additional video and images on the following blogs:

http://rightyjamiemichael.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/4knorth

Notes from the day:
During the day, I had been suprised to discover the goats upfront curiousity and soon realized each carried a very distinct peronality. I soon found myself enjoying thier company and spent a long time inside the confinds of thier environment. Below is a link to a short video and as stated above, additional photos are available for veiwing at my website.


Background Info:
Few weeks ago I had the opportunity to help my father on his farm (non-profit) that is located in Maine. He had an unfortunate accident and broke a few ribs, which provided me with a three week introduction into farming. He raises two breeds, Boer’s and kiko’s, and the herd has grown exponentially to something larger than initally envisioned. The following is a link to my fathers (Dean Beckwith) website: http://adeccap.net/. There, you can find additional information of regarding the breed and the farm he shares.

Over the last two weeks I've spend 95% of my time repairing my sisters computer. Evidently, she didn't have the proper virus protection and I was surfing around trying to find CCS info when a worm infiltrated and buried it's ugly head into a software. Long story short, the virus was not your typical run of the mill. In fact, I had to surf around and download a number of softwares in order to reverse its effects. So, today was the first day back on the horse. I'm working diligently to finalize my pieces before I open a studio location. I know, I know, It seems I have more ideas than time and continue to promise additional works.


I thank those who continue to visit my site and support me and I'll keep you posted.

I've recently removed a few pieces to make way for additional works. I am concerned about the current quality of my work being shown and want to refocus on my goals for the site.

Check out my 'links' for additional locations of my work and post comments.

New paintings are coming soon. I'm tightening up the a few pieces in hopes to have completed before March.

Also, I've had an opportunity to upload recent graphic works and photo's.


Thanks for support.

Today is my Ol' Man's Birthday. He's a year older and i'm a year wiser.

Didn't have time today to develop photo's, but did manage to sqeeze time in for 'Flower Study'. Check out the 'photography' section to view the shots.

Enjoy!

Alright, so i've stated for a few weeks (months) that I will be posting additional material on my website. Well its going to have to wait. Will be relocating to New England for a few. Will have additional materials in the new year.

Thanks for the support and patience with me; it will be worth the wait.

As you know, being an recognized artist isn't an overnight event. It will need some coaxing from you to ensure people know my work. It’s time to show the world what you’re talking about.

Ways to contribute to success:

1. Word of mouth is powerful. Toss the links around and talk with people you know. Send the word out.
2. Develop a link to my page. Its not going to change, just the content.
3. Write reviews, blog about me, or drop a line.

If you want to keep up to speed with latest events/arts/friends, join me at this location or myspace.com/4knorth.com.

Another location has been added to the expanding list of locations. As you maybe aware, myspace has been running. Now, I would like to introduce you to another site to the family; deviantart.com.

Here you will have the ability to purchase varying sized prints for your bare walls. The site is not fully launched, however will have material(s) loaded within the coming days.

http://jamiemichael.deviantart.com/

08.28.2007

A long time coming, but the time has finally arrived...

I will be posting select painting within a weeks time. The process has been long and arduous due to full-time work.

Those who have become my 'fans', you will be first to receive emails once the posting process has begun.

Thanks for patience and the support throughout this process.